Good morning, Springfield.

Springfield is set for a busy weekend from Sept.

18-20. Residents can enjoy live theater at UIS Studio Theatre, cycling at the 54th Annual Capital City Century, a fall festival at Clayville Historic Site, and a Water Lantern Festival at Conservation World + more events.

Truck drivers in Springfield face diesel prices near $6.80 per gallon—nearly double last year's rate—with the Illinois Trucking Association saying prices will likely remain high in the coming weeks as refineries schedule downtime.

Illinois EPA has released a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan—highlighting increased electric vehicle use, new building codes, and clean energy incentives—to help the state reach net zero emissions by 2050 and boost economic benefits by $21 billion annually.

The plan offers a clear roadmap for additional emissions cuts beyond past gains.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is revising rules for nuisance deer hunting permits after January's law allowed farmers to manage deer on their fields.

Proposed changes mandate measures like colored vinyl electric fencing+more guidance for permit applicants.

Memorial Health will host a free men's health screening event on Wednesday, Sept.

30 at CAP 1908 at 5 p.m. The event offers PSA blood tests + screenings for blood pressure, glucose, HIV, hepatitis C, colorectal cancer, radon, lung cancer, and mental health information.

Nehemiah Expansion broke ground on 45 new affordable homes on Springfield’s east side, marking its fifth phase in addressing local housing needs.

The homes (with 2 to 4 bedrooms, 1.5 baths and a 2 car garage) will soon be built as the project serves 350 families on its waiting list.

The Women’s Professional Baseball League held its first championship series at Robin Roberts Stadium on Wednesday as the Los Angeles Queens won games 1 (7-6) and 2 (11-7), setting up the next game today at 6 p.m. amid excited local fans.